The castle of Metlika

Surrounded by vineyard hills, Metlika Castle stands in a quiet town in the heart of Bela krajina. It appears today as a widely sprawling several-story complex with a pentagonal ground plan. We enter it through a three-story entrance tower that opens into a spacious arcaded inner courtyard. The castle, which originally had entirely the character of a medieval fortress, later acquired the appearance of a comfortable residence, particularly after the renovations that followed major fires in 1705 and 1790. Only the two defense towers at the top of the rocky promontory over the Obrh River testify to its former role. No one knows how many Turkish attacks these towers had to repel in the past. Today the castle houses the Bela krajina Museum. Its permanent history exhibitions acquaint visitors with stirring events in the region from prehistoric times to the middle of 20th century. The castle cellar hides a winegrowing exhibition, and there is a lapidary exhibit under the arcades. On the ground floor visitors can find the Gangel Exhibition Room for periodic exhibitions and smaller entertainment events. Naturally, the castle also offers a wedding hall and vine cellar. Metlika Castle is closely involved in many activities that take place in the town. In summer it hosts many cultural events in the Castle Evenings program, and the Gangel Exhibition Room is one of the venues for Vinska vigreda (Wine Spring) festivities.